You have probably noticed that there is a general election coming up in a few weeks time.

For many people the reaction is to dive for cover, switch over to a sports channel and refuse to answer the door in case it is one of the parties after your vote.

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More than ever before we don't trust our politicians, and to be honest many of them often don't deserve our trust.

I think most of us would like to see politicians who are honest, not self seeking and are more interested in serving their communities than their own career ambitions.

There are many voices suggesting that it's hardly worth voting as the result of elections doesn't seem to make any difference.

But if you think of all the sacrifices our ancestors made to win the vote for all classes of society, and especially for women, and when you see the alternative systems of tyranny in countries across the world I guess we should be thankful for democracy and make an effort to take part.

Even if you don't think your vote will make a great difference on its own, your voice in questioning politicians and telling about your concerns may have some influence on the policies they choose and the ways they govern us.

In recent weeks both Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops have urged us all to vote and to think not just about our personal interests but about the common good.

In particular they have highlighted the issue of poverty, both across the world and in the context of growing divides and suffering in "food-bank Britain".

This is not just the view of church leaders but is at the heart of the Christian gospel, as Jesus himself lived among and served the poor of his time.

A recent survey of Evangelical Christians suggested that well over 90% were going to use their vote, though they were just as divided about which party to support as the wider electorate.

It also revealed that poverty and inequality was ranked the most important single issue facing the UK today (selected by 31% compared to 4% of the national population). From a list of political and moral issues the most popular choices seen as 'important to me and WILL affect my vote' were:

• policies aimed at ensuring religious liberty: 71%

• policies likely to make a positive difference to the poorest people in the UK: 61%

• policies to eliminate human trafficking: 59% It's good to see how people's faith makes them think of others in need, even when it comes to voting.

My hope is that these concerns for the needy will be shared by all the voters of Lancashire.

Greg Smith Development Co-ordinator Together Lancashire / Preston Christian Action Network